This basic shrimp and wild rice recipe is interesting, festive, and easily prepared in no more than 20 minutes. Personalize the dish with some of the embellishments shown below and your imagination, and this becomes a favored party dish that enhances your reputation as an expert cook who always has time to enjoy your own party.

A plate of fresh fruit and purchased whole grain muffins complete a meal that is interesting and delicious.

Wild and Wonderful Rice Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup quick-cooking wild and long-grain rice mix

1 cup cooked pink medium-sized shelled shrimp

1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper

1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced (use your favorite type mushrooms)

12 hazelnuts, chopped (If you cannot find hazelnuts, walnuts are a fine substitute.)

1/4 cup hazelnut oil (If you are using walnuts, use walnut oil.)

4 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1/3 cup each fresh basil leaves, parsley, and mint, finely chopped (The herbs lend a nice freshness to the dish.)

2 cloves garlic, mashed (Mince garlic, sprinkle with a bit of salt, and mash with the side of a large knife)

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1/8 tsp fresh, coarsely-ground black pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1/8 tsp salt

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp thyme.

Preparation:

* Cook rice according to package directions. If you have a few more than 20 minutes, consider using wild rice alone or a packaged mixture of grains found in the supermarket or health food store. You should have about 4 cups of drained and cooled grain.

* Mix rice, shrimp, green pepper, nuts, and mushrooms together in large bowl. Purchase cooked, medium pink shrimp.

* Put remaining ingredients into food processor, and process until smooth. Add sauce to salad and toss.

To finish the meal:

* Omit shrimp and use rotisserie (lemon-pepper) chicken or Chinese barbequed pork from the deli as a separate dish.

* Water chestnuts and sugar snap peas tossed in at the last minute add nice crunch and interest.

* Purchase a ready-cut assortment of fresh cut fruit. Include a few unusual fruits, like kiwis and star fruit, for additional interest and garnish.

* Artisan breads or small muffins purchased at the super market, need to only be warmed, to become nice additions of flavor and texture.

* Add a bottle of red wine, and dinner is served.

Remember: Meat is not always necessary. The combination of grains, nuts, and bread provides complete protein and the basis of a nutritious vegetarian meal. Serve seafood or meat separately, and you have it both ways.

A local take-out (not fast food) will often yield grilled or poached salmon. Also, many frozen supermarket convenience items have improved in quality and deserve another try. Very often they combine nicely with your own fresh preparations.

Fresh and uncooked fruits and vegetables are essential. When added to a rice salad, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, sprouts, and spinach are also delicious. Chickpeas are wonderful additions.

Healthful and hearty additions to rice are quick and easy. They are only bounded by your imagination.

Learn more about this author, Joan Mccord.
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